The SGP Season will see a packed schedule of fast cars, amazing action, fantastic fireworks, sizzling nightlife and entertainment roar through the heart of Singapore’s buzzing downtown Marina Bay district and expectations are high with this year’s event expected to surpass the electrifying atmosphere felt during the inaugural event in 2008.

New to the F1 calendar, and one of this year’s most anticipated events, is the F1 Rocks concert (24 – 26 september), featuring globally acclaimed artists including the No Doubt, Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, ZZ Top, N*E*R*D and Simple Minds. Lovers of live music will be treated to a three day celebration of music, rock and roll, dancing and adrenalin.

September will also see the Lion City alive with culture, with several important festivals taking place including: Hari Raya Puasa (14 August – 27 September) marking the end of the fasting month for Singapore’s Malay community, the Chinese Mid Autumn Festival (19 September – 17 October), and Deepavali (18 September – 25 October) the Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness (good over evil) – with each festival seeing entertainment, food and fabulous light displays set the scene for celebration in Singapore’s ethnic precincts.

Other fringe events include Asia on the Edge (18-27 September 2009 at The Arts House), showcasing Asia’s rich history and culture through an exciting line up of free and ticketed events including live performances, enthralling exhibitions and gastronomic celebrations;the Outdoor Photo Exhibition of Singapore’s inaugural 2008 F1 night race by Paul-Henri Cahier; Britto in Singapore (18-27 September at the ION Orchard and Opera Gallery), a visual arts display by Brazilian neo-pop artist and sculptor Romero Britto; and Il Divo performing live at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 21 September.

To assist you in getting you there, Qantas Holidays has put together some fantastic deals in conjunction with some of the Lion City’s most prestigious accommodation providers. For grandstand tickets and accommodation deals visit www.qantas.com.au/content/dyn/holidays/specials/singapore-grand-prix-2009

For further information on Singapore’s GP season events visit www.visitsingapore.com/sgpseason/events or log onto www.f1rocks.com

The world premiere of Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept represents a milestone in Toyota’s strategy.

It introduces Toyota’s full hybrid technology to a mainstream model and is another step in spreading the company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology across its model range.

Toyota Prius Hybrid

An extensive field trial in Japan, the United States and Europe will see more than 500 units being leased to selected fleet customers.

In Australia, Toyota will expand its hybrid range beyond Prius early next year when it launches locally built Hybrid Camry.

It’s also possible a Corolla-based hybrid will come to Australia, but there is currently no firm plan or time frame.

Frankfurt will also stage the European premiere of iconic, all-new Toyota Land Cruiser, which will go on sale in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2009.

The junior academy, Mauger Developments Rugby, has the backing of All Black Dan Carter and Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson. The first intake begins at Christchurch Boys’ High School, Mauger’s old school, on October 12.

This will involve coaching three groups of boys 11 to 12 years, 13 to 14 years and 15 to 16 years every Monday for the school term. It’s believed the programme targeted at junior players and to be expanded next year will be the only one of its kind in New Zealand.

Midfield Mauger played two games for the All Blacks and 38 times for the Crusaders between 1999 and 2004. He was the top try-scorer for Canterbury for two seasons before heading overseas to play for Gloucester in England, Benetton in Italy, Toulon in France and Ricoh in Japan.

He said today he felt compelled to launch the junior schoolboy coaching programme to assist with the development of the young rugby players in the region and give something back to Canterbury rugby.

“The earlier a young player begins to work on the fundamentals of the game the better quality of footballer he will be. My experiences as a professional player gives me the opportunity to pass on to younger players the knowledge I have acquired. I also see this programme as a vehicle for positive role modelling.”

Carter said the Mauger development school was a great initiative for rugby.

“Knowing Nathan and the experience he has to offer to young rugby players I see the programme being a huge advantage for those that take part in it. Having come through the age grades I know the benefits of putting in a lot of hard work practicing the basics of the game. I wish the programme every success.”

Gibson said it was great for Canterbury rugby to see the formation and launch of Mauger Developments Rugby because he sees the game would benefit and as the players developed.

“There is a real need in our game for a specially focussed development school for aspiring players in the 11-17 year aged group. What I like about it, is it helps all players not just those at the elite level,” Gibson said.

“I played rugby with Nathan for several years and I know he brings quality knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to training and will really develop these young players. This is fantastic for the province.”